Century farm a reason to celebrate

Many attending the Behselich family reunion stood in formation of a figure of '100' to depict the memorable day.

During the past 100 years, anyone delivering mail, buying or selling livestock, providing a wide range of services, or just visiting at 5727 Highway A, Pittsville, always has had to deal with residents by the name of Behselich.

This year, time was set aside by the Behselich families to recognize the seldom-achieved honor of being considered a "Century Farm," being held in the family name for 100 years.

Following four years of preparation by fourth- and fifth-generation Behselich family members, the long-awaited celebration was held at the Highway A homestead on July 20 and 21.

The July 20 family reunion was held under ideal weather conditions for the approximately 450 relatives who parked in the alfalfa field, viewed the home, farm buildings and personal property. Each area was neatly identified with labeled signs. A petting zoo and area for games was available for the younger set while the elders retreated to the 60- by 100-foot tent to reminisce. When a plane passed overhead to take pictures of the setting, many stood in formation of a figure of "100" to depict the memorable day. A catered meal fed the 450 who had gathered.

Genealogy identity of the Behselich name can be traced to Germany and the year 1853 when Phillipus Behselich and Anna Maria Peters married, later raising nine children. Some members of their family stowed away on a ship and eventually ended up settling in Iowa and South Dakota. Cheaper land prices in Wisconsin lured them to the present location in the Pittsville area in 1913.

Community friends and neighbors continued the Century Farm celebration July 21 with the Behselich families. The abrupt weather change that brought on cooler temperatures and some rain did not deter another huge supportive community turnout. Once again, the sturdy tent provided a safe haven for visitors to gather for a 10:30 a.m. field Mass celebrated by the Rev. James Esser, a relative.

The field Mass was followed by a complimentary catered meal served to another 400 who had gathered. Picture taking, reminiscing, reading of a proclamation from Gov. Scott Walker, which acknowledged the farm ownership in the Behselich name for 100 years, and viewing a wide collection of scrapbooks, family heirlooms and memorabilia, took up much of the afternoon.

Of particular significance was the display of 24 descendants names who have dedicated past or present military service to our country and the acknowledgment that all five generations have been members of St. Joachim's Catholic Church in Pittsville.

George Behselich, 91, and his wife Geraldine, 86, raised 11 children and still reside on the property. They sold the farm property to their sons Dennis, Paul and his wife, Sue, in anticipation that the Behselich property will continue to be a picturesque Pittsville landmark for many more years to come.

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Century farm a reason to celebrate

During the past 100 years, anyone delivering mail, buying or selling livestock, providing a wide range of services, or just visiting at 5727 Highway A, Pittsville, always has had to deal with

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